When was the Ohio State Club Football team founded?
Ohio State Club Football was founded in 2009 by Joe Budgake, Marshal Carpenter and Jordan Fleischman.
Is the club team full-contact?
Yes. The club football team is a member of the National Club Football Association and plays in the Great Lakes Conference. The NCFA adopts the NCAA football rules, with a handful of exceptions.
What is the competition level comparable to for Club Football?
The competition level is comparable to NCAA Div. III, or in some cases NJCAA. Our program routinely schedules NCAA Div. III JV programs to play as a part of our regular season schedules. Our program is 8-5 all-time against NCAA Div. III JV competition, including wins over Ohio Northern, Ohio Wesleyan and Denison University.
Is the club program affiliated with the NCAA Ohio State Football team?
No. However, a handful of players that have played for our program have walked-on to play for the varsity Buckeyes. The most recent walk-ons are listed below, with their years playing for our Club Football program in parenthesis.
- Ian Gecse (2024)
- Zach Hayes (2023)
- Glorien Gough (2023)
- Chris Booker (2018)
- De’Shawn White (2017, 2019)
- Madu Eneli (2017, 2019)
- Elijaah Goins (2014)
- Chris Fong (2013)
The team operates out of the Club Sports office at The Ohio State University.
Does the team offer athletic scholarships?
No. The team will however, offer prospective players roster spots, similar to NCAA Div. III. That roster spot offer is given on the condition that the prospective player is admitted to The Ohio State University.
Do I have to be a student at Ohio State to play?
Yes. All players must be taking a minimum of six credit hours at Ohio State and maintain a 2.0 GPA in order to be a member of the program. Graduate students are also eligible as long as they are enrolled in a degree-seeking program.
Does the team provide equipment?
The team loans out shoulder pads, but each individual player is responsible for providing their own helmet, cleats, and thigh and knee pads.
Does the team charge pay-to-play dues?
Yes. We are an entirely self-funded program, therefore the team charges a fee each season to play. That number can range anywhere from $300-400 per season, depending on that season’s budget. That money covers the team’s travel expenses, jersey expenses and league fees, amongst other things.
What do you mean that the program is “student-run?”
The players that make up our team elect their peers to officer positions that make executive and administrative decisions regarding the program. These decisions include but are not limited to:
- Balancing the team’s financial budget
- Selecting game day uniform
- Attend University-mandated leadership meetings
When and how often are tryouts?
We no longer hold formal tryouts. Everyone that meets the required criteria to be a member is invited to be a part of the team. However, the NCFA only allows for an active roster of 50 players. Should we reach the 50-player mark, cuts will be made by coaches and student leaders based on overall talent, experience and commitment to the program. Players who are cut from the active roster have the option to stay on as a practice squad player.
Do I need prior playing experience to join the team?
Prior playing experience at either the high school and/or collegiate level is STRONGLY preferred.
How can I get more information or join the club?
Send an email to Head Coach James Grega, Jr. at osugrega@gmail.com or email the club directly at osuclubfootball@gmail.com.
Ohio State Club Football 